YPSILANTI, MI – As Real Madrid players took to Scicluna Field, Zalo Gonzalez stood more than 100 yards away, peeking over the green fence with a pair of binoculars.

Even without access to the Spanish club’s private training session Thursday, the opportunity to see his favorite team from afar was worth it.

“It’s so surreal, it’s unbelievable,” said the 23-year-old Ann Arbor native. “I’ve toured their stadium in Madrid, but obviously the players weren’t there. This is the best thing that I’ve ever seen as far as Real Madrid anything.”

Gonzalez has considered himself a Madrid fan at least 14 years, dating back to seeing them win the 2000 UEFA Champions League final against Valencia. After hearing the team was coming to his hometown, he secured a ticket as soon as they were available.

“I was watching the World Cup really closely of course, and I was crossing my fingers that these players would be healthy because I bought these tickets really far in advance,” Gonzalez said.

The University of Michigan graduate wasn’t alone Thursday as fans lined the fences, peeking over and through slits in the fence at Eastern Michigan University, hoping to get a glimpse of the world-renowned players.

Although the session was private, some lucky fans were allowed to watch from a VIP area, including 12-year-old Fred Kassab. As the Bloomfield Hills native watched Madrid practice, he clutched his green Iker Casillas jersey.

Afterward, he and his father waved the jersey and were able to flag down the Spanish goalkeeper to get an autograph.

“Casillas is the goalkeeper, he’s No. 1,” Fred said, holding his newly signed jersey. “He’s my favorite goalkeeper. It was my first time seeing him and he said, ‘Yo welcome.’”

Though Fred and Gonzalez had much different practice experiences Thursday, both will be in attendance at 4 p.m. Saturday when Madrid takes on Manchester United at Michigan Stadium.

And to Gonzalez, having elite international soccer teams visit the United States does more than provide entertainment for 90 minutes.

“Especially for young ones to see the top European talent, to see these guys play live, it’s inspiring,” he said. “They’re the best and if you can see the best play, you’re going to learn a thing or two.”